Join the 55 million people a year who visit the Big Apple: New York City. Cruise the harbor, enjoy the lights in Times Square, see a Broadway show, marvel at the skyscrapers, explore the landmarks, hail a cab, shop until you drop … no wonder the city never sleeps.
In the middle of New York Harbor is an iconic image of the 238 BC Roman goddess named Libertas. Everyone calls her the Statue of Liberty. The gift from France in 1886 was sculpted by Frédéric Bartholdi. Gustave Eiffel created the framework. The crowned and robed figure stands 351 feet on Liberty Island. She welcomed more than 12 million immigrants as they were processed at Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954. They were the ancestors of one-third of today’s U.S. population. She holds a tablet with the date July 4, 1776. Approximately four million people visit her each year.
Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004
An essential part of any tourist visit to New York City is to enjoy a 90 minute boat cruise around New York Harbor. Among other things you will see this spectacular view of Lower Manhattan, several famous bridges, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
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Up to 100,000 people a day walk through the Whitehall Terminal and take the 25 minute ride on the Staten Island Ferry. You can easily tell which passengers are commuters and which are tourists. The former are sleeping, reading or playing with their phone while the latter are thrilled at the spectacular views of Lower Manhattan’s skyline and the Statue of Liberty. The tourists then get off at the St. George Ferry Terminal and immediately get back onto another ferry boat for the return five mile trip. And best of all, it’s free … the best deal in New York City.
4 Whitehall Street, New York, NY 10004
Up to a dozen helicopters can be on the barge at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport waiting to airlift sightseeing tourists and Wall Street executives. It is located next to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal near Battery Park. When airborne, you get spectacular views of the New York and New Jersey skylines. And, if you are lucky, you might see the President of the United States because this is where Marine One lands.
6 E River Piers, New York, NY 10005
When this circular, red sandstone fort was built in 1811 to protect New York City during the War of 1812, it was called West Battery. Four years later, the name was changed to Clinton Castle as a tribute to Mayor DeWitt Clinton. The fortress never saw battle. From 1855 until 1892, this was the main processing center for more than eight million immigrants before the function moved to Ellis Island. Clinton Castle is now a National Monument managed by the National Park Service.
Battery Park, New York, NY 10004
This monument of a soldier’s silhouette carved from stainless steel on a base of black granite is called The Universal Soldier. This beautiful tribute to Korean War veterans has been positioned in Battery Park so the sun shines through the soldier’s helmet every July 27 at 10:00 a.m. That’s the anniversary of the war’s end.
Battery Park, New York, NY 10004
The Beaux Arts style of the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Customs House is impressive. The main architect was Minnesota native Cass Gilbert. This prolific architect designed a long list of wonderful buildings, state capitols and museums. The four sculptures in front were created in 1907 by Daniel Chester French. He is famous for sculpting Abraham Lincoln inside of the Lincoln Memorial. The statues are called “The Continents.” They represent Africa, Europe, Asia and this one is America. Audrey Munson, the famous model for so many statues in NYC, posed for the woman. This building now houses the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004
The orderly sale of securities began in 1792 when the Buttonwood Agreement was signed in New York City. In 1817, the New York Stock and Exchange Board was established. This home of the “Big Board” opened on 11 Wall Street in 1903. The imposing, Neoclassical design features six fluted columns with Corinthian capitals. They support a pediment with 11 high-relief sculptures. The central figure with outstretched arms is Integrity.
11 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
Visitors to Wall Street typically go to see the New York Stock Exchange. Sharing the corner is the Federal Hall National Memorial. This Greek Revival edifice was a custom house when it was built in 1842. It is now a national memorial. Several historic events occurred in the previous City Hall that was built in 1700. Here are the most famous moments: 1) The concept of freedom of the press was established in 1735. 2) The message to Britain of “no taxation without representation” was written in 1765. 3) The Congress of the Confederation met here until 1789. 4) In the same year, George Washington was inaugurated on the balcony as the first President of the United States.
26 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
This George Washington statue between Doric columns commemorates his inauguration at Federal Hall as the first president on April 30, 1789. That building was torn down in 1812. The Federal Hall National Memorial was built as a replacement in 1842. The bronze statue faces the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street. The tribute was sculpted by John Quincy Adams Ward in 1882. The location marks the spot of Washington’s inauguration.
26 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
When this photo of One World Trade Center was taken in mid-2013, it had just become the tallest skyscraper in America at 1,776 feet. This height is a tribute to the U.S. Declaration of Independence and to the 2,600 people who died at Ground Zero on 9/11. After years of construction delays, the Freedom Tower opened at the end of 2014. The final cost was about $3.9 billion.
285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007
The 25 foot, golden statue at the top of the impressive Manhattan Municipal Building is named Civic Fame. The shield and laurel branch she is holding represent victory and triumph. On the left is the tower of the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse. The pyramid-shaped roof and lantern are also gilded.
1 Elk Street, New York, NY 10007
In 1913, when New York City wanted to consolidate all of its government’s agencies into one building, a young architect named William Kendall won the competition with his grand design. Over one hundred years later, this landmark is still impressive from this Chambers Street view and still houses 13 municipal agencies.
1 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007
Old court houses were often built in a grand, imposing style. The New York State Supreme Court building is a classic example. The entrance is a series of fluted Corinthian columns. The three statues above the pediment by Fredrick Warren Allen represent Law, Truth and Equity. The inscription carved in granite is a 1789 quote from George Washington. Interestingly, it contains a typo that was not discovered until 2009.
60 Centre St, New York, NY 10007
There are about a dozen apartment and condominium buildings in New York City painted a bright, shocking pink. Some have attracted famous tenants like Richard Gere at the Palazzo Chupi. Others, like this one at 161 Prince Street in the SoHo district, apparently like the ambiance of Pepto-Bismol. But then these facades easily blend in at SoHo. This neighborhood in Lower Manhattan has been filled with artist galleries and studios since the 1970s.
161 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012
During a visit to the 9.5 acre Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, you feel like you have been transported to Paris when you see this 77 foot marble arch resembling the Arc de Triomphe. A temporary arch was built in the park in 1889 for the centennial anniversary of George Washington’s inauguration. Three years later, this marble version was created by the architect Standard White.
Washington Square Park, New York, NY 10012
This triangular skyscraper in Manhattan was called the Fuller Building when it opened in 1902. The name honored George A. Fuller who had died two years before. Fuller is credited with designing techniques for building skyscrapers. When this steel structure covered by terracotta was finished, it was praised by some and panned by others. Now, the Flatiron Building is considered an architectural jewel of the Flatiron District and an icon of New York City.
175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Metropolitan Life Tower was the headquarters for the insurance company from 1909 until 2005. Once the world’s tallest at 213 feet, the design was inspired by the famous St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice. The building was sold in 2013 to Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. In 2015, part of this landmark reopened as the New York Edition, a luxury hotel.
1 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010
The 1,454 foot Empire State Building is easy to find in a city filled with more than 7,000 high-rises. This Art Deco structure was the world’s tallest when it opened in 1931. The title was held until 1970. On the 102nd floor is an observation deck with outstanding views of New York City. Be prepared to endure a long waiting line. Over four million tourists annually ride the elevator to experience the famous pinnacle. The American Society of Civil Engineers listed the Empire State Building among the Seven Wonders of the Modern World for engineering.
350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118
Although the headquarters for the United Nations are located in Manhattan, this 509 foot tower and the other buildings in the complex are considered to be international territory. John D. Rockefeller Jr., the son of the founder of Standard Oil, donated the land so it could be built in 1952. On Monday through Friday, the 193 poles in front of the U.N. display the flags of each member country in alphabetical order.
405 East 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10017
This giant golden orb is called Sphere within a Sphere. It was created in 1966 by Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. The artwork was then placed near the United Nations Headquarters where it reflects the neighboring Manhattan skyscrapers. A dozen copies of this 18,000 pound sculpture can be seen in other cities.
46th Street and 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10017
Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd created this bronze sculpture of a revolver with a twisted and knotted barrel. The artwork is a tribute to John Lennon after he was murdered in New York City. This original Colt Pyton .367 Magnum statue called “Non-Violence” is displayed at the United Nations Headquarters. The memorial was a gift of Luxemburg in 1988. There are 15 copies of the art around the world. This image is also the logo for the Non-Violence Project Foundation. Former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are associated with this non-profit, educational organization.
823 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017
In a city filled with skyscrapers, there is no mistaking the Art Deco crown of the Chrysler Building. It had the distinction of being the world’s tallest building for less than a year after opening in 1930. The title was achieved by trickery of its architect, William Van Alen. He waited until a competitor’s project at 40 Wall Street declared itself the tallest. He then immediately hoisted a hidden, 121 foot antenna on top of his building in less than two hours.
405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174
When this 808 foot skyscraper opened in 1963, the fifteen foot letters on top read Pan Am. The United States’ largest airline had signed a 25 year lease for their new headquarters. However, their slogan of the “World’s Most Experienced Airline” proved ironic. Pan American World Airlines ran into financial difficulties in the mid-1970s. The problems grew worse until their demise in 1991. Nine months later, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company replaced the Pan Am name with MetLife. In 2005, they sold the building for the record setting price of $1.72 billion.
200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
On top of this 14 foot Tiffany glass clock on the 42nd Street façade of Grand Central Terminal is a statue of Mercury. He is, among many things, the Roman god of travelers. Mercury is shown wearing a winged hat called a petasos. He is also holding a rod with two intertwining snakes. This is a caduceus staff. At his feet are Hercules and Minerva. This ensemble is named “Transportation” and also “The Glory of Commerce.” They were made from Bedford limestone, weigh 1,500 tons and were created by Jules-Félix Coutan in 1914.
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Grand Central Terminal became 100 years old in 2013. The railway station is considered the world’s largest in terms of platforms. Grand Central accommodates over 20 million people a year. Most of them walk through the Main Concourse and beneath a huge American flag. It was hung as a tribute to the 2,996 casualties during the September 11 attacks in New York City.
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
The most iconic feature of Grand Central Terminal is this four-sided brass clock. The timepiece sits atop the information booth in the center of the Main Concourse. It was crafted by Henry Edward Bedford. The faces of the two-foot clock are covered by milk glass. This gives them their warm orange glow. Legend says a secret stairwell lies beneath the marble pedestal.
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
New York has the largest public library system in the United States. Their collection consists of over 50 million items within 88 branches. The Main Branch, formally named the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, has been an impressive focal point of 42nd Street since 1911. 100 years later, this marble façade with six Corinthian columns was substantially refurbished. NYPL claims to serve over 18 million people a year.
476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
The two lions guarding the entrance to the New York Public Library’s Main Branch get most of the attention. Often overlooked is this sculpture of a woman sitting sidesaddle on a horse. She is aptly called “Beauty.” It was sculpted from marble by Frederick MacMonnies in 1920 and then placed in this architectural niche above a four-tier water fountain. The model for this sculpture was Audrey Munson. She posed for so many statues in New York City (somewhere between 15 and 19) that she became known as the American Venus.
476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
When the Paramount Theater opened in 1926, it featured silent films accompanied by a huge Wurlitzer organ. During the Big Band era, it hosted many famous performers. The tower at 1501 Broadway also served as the East Coast headquarters for Paramount Pictures. When the theater closed in 1966, the marque was removed and the building was converted into office space. In 2000, the World Wrestling Federation restored the marque. After they moved out in 2003, the Hard Rock Café moved in.
1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
On a traffic island in the corner of Broadway and Seventh Avenue in the heart of Times Square is a U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Office that opened in 1946. It received a patriotic facelift in 2011 when Architecture Research Office designed this massive American Flag for two sides of the building. At night, the red, white and blue shine brightly from the LED lights inside the glass panel.
200 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
Nearly 40 million people visit Times Square each year. Almost every person takes countless photos of their surroundings, themselves and their friends. This group of delighted tourists were snapping shots on the balcony of Aéropostale’s flagship clothing store on Broadway. The store closed in 2016 after the company went bankrupt.
1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
The bright neon signs, flashing ads, street performers, careening cabs, musical productions and guarding police at Times Square in Midtown are only a part of the menagerie. About 40 million people annually make the pilgrimage to the “Center of the Universe.” In 1872, it was called Longacre Square. When the New York Times became a major tenant in 1904, the area adopted the newspaper’s name. Once considered a prime location, it deteriorated during the Great Depression through the mid-1990s. Then, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani cleared out the porn theaters and helped restore the Broadway ones. This has been the location of countless parades and movies. The most famous event since 1907 is the New Year’s Eve ball drop.
Times Square, Manhattan, NY 10036
There are approximately 100 pieces of outdoor public art gracing Rockefeller Center. None are more recognizable than the gilded bronze statue of Prometheus. It was commissioned by John D. Rockefeller and created by artist Paul Manship in 1933. The inscription reads, “Prometheus, teacher in every art, brought the fire that hath proved to mortals a means to mighty ends.” Looming just behind the 18 foot Titan is a sculpture of Zeus on the GE Building. In Greek mythology, this king of gods threatened to destroy humans by eliminating fire.
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
Just after the stock market crashed in 1929, John D. Rockefeller Jr. started a very ambitious project to privately fund and build 14 neighboring, Art Deco buildings on 22 acres of Midtown Manhattan. The complex is called Rockefeller Center. This Sunken Plaza is the heart. The surrounding poles display the flags of the United Nations members. Beneath the famous gilded sculpture of the Greek Titan Prometheus is the Rock Center Café. This becomes The Rink for ice skaters during the winter.
45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
Radio transmission waves or zigzag electricity designs resembling lightning bolts were used extensively by the Radio Corporation of America, better known as RCA. They appeared in their logo, marketing and as an architectural motif at their previous building at 570 Lexington Avenue. In 1933, when they moved to the General Electric Building, which today is nicknamed 30 Rock, they had artist Lee Lawrie create this sculpture of Zeus from limestone and glass. The art is above the Rockefeller Center plaza entrance. The words are an excerpt from the Bible’s Book of Isaiah.
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
This GE Building’s marquee advertises some of the famous tenants at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The Rainbow Room has been a very exclusive restaurant on the 65th floor since opening in 1934. The famous eatery hosted countless high society events and celebrities before closing in 2009. After extensive remodeling, the Rainbow Room reopened in 2014. The NBC Studios produces several live shows from here, including The Today Show, Saturday Night Live and, starting in 2014, The Tonight Show. On top of all this is the observation deck that is appropriately called “Top of the Rock.”
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
This giant, blue sculpture outside the entrance of the Time-Life Building on the Avenue of the Americas is called Cubed Curve. It was created in 1972 by William Crovello and sponsored by the Association for a Better New York. Time Inc. occupied 21 of the 48 floors before announcing in 2014 their plans to move out. Perhaps this was done to provide expansion room for the fictional advertising agency Sterling Cooper Draper and Pryce from the Mad Men TV show. The 587 foot skyscraper is now named 1271 Avenue of the Americas.
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
This mural of congested taxicabs shows the nightmare you will experience if you drive in the Big Apple. There are about 50,000 drivers behind the wheels of over 13,000 cabs. They shuffle more than 240 million passengers a year. After your harrowing ride, your face will be as yellow and green as the two different colors of taxis in New York City.
825 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
This “Late Show with David Letterman” marquee has seen lots of changes since the building opened as a theater in 1927. It became a CBS studio for live radio shows during the 1950s. Later, it was the home of The Ed Sullivan Show. This is where the Beatles made their U.S. debut in 1963. Other talk and game shows were also recorded here. David Letterman started in 1993. Since his retirement in 2015, The Late Show continue to be taped with Stephen Colbert at the Ed Sullivan Theater on Broadway in Manhattan.
1697 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
This magnificent tympanum graces the entrance to Saint Thomas Church. Built using a Gothic architectural style in 1916, it is the fourth church to stand on the corner of 53rd street and Fifth Avenue. Welcoming you are the statues of St. Peter, St. Andrew and St. James on the left and St. John the Evangelist, St. Philip and St. Paul on the right. Of course, St. Thomas is the figure in the middle of this Episcopal church.
1 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Since the tragic events of 911, police are ever-present at busy streets and major buildings in New York City. This provides a visual sense of security to the eight million residents and 50 million plus annual visitors. This policeman with a machine gun appears geared to address any possible threat.
Near the entrance of the 58 floor Trump Tower skyscraper on Fifth Avenue in Midtown, Manhattan is this outdoor clock bearing the name of the real estate developer and U.S. president, Donald Trump. The building is primarily residential and shopping for the wealthy. Recently, a three apartment property on the 38th floor sold for $16.5 million. At those prices, you’d think they’d have a watch and not need this clock to tell time.
725 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
What started in 1837 as the Tiffany, Young and Ellis stationary store in New York City became Tiffany & Company in 1853 after one of its co-founders, Charles Lewis Tiffany, shifted the merchandise toward jewelry. Today, it is a public, worldwide retailer of luxury jewelry with about $4 billion in annual revenue. Despite their growth, their headquarters and flagship store remain in New York City.
727 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
In 2006, this 30 by 30 foot glass cube was opened by Steve Jobs on a plaza at the base of the GE Building. This is the entrance to Apple’s flagship store located below ground. During the first year, Apple Fifth Avenue attracted 50,000 shoppers a week and generated more than $1 million a day. The store still draws thousands of loyal Apple users whenever a new product is released. They can shop here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
767 5th Ave, New York, NY 10153
General William Sherman was a legendry leader in the Union Army during the Civil War. He is quoted as saying, “War is hell.” Shortly after his death in 1891, sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens was commissioned to create this equestrian bronze tribute with the Genius of Victory figure leading the way. The ensemble was installed in Central Park in 1903. This photo was taken shortly before the statue was regilded in 2014.
764 Doris C Freedman Pl, New York, NY 10019
Living with a view of Central Park is wonderful but costly. For example, on the right is 820 Fifth Avenue. The residential property with a Venetian Palazzo façade cost $1 million to build before opening in 1916. It has 12 floors and 12 apartments. Each one commands over $40 million. Its neighbor with the distinctive slopped roof and chimneys is 825 Fifth Avenue. The 23 floors have 64, much smaller units. They tend to sell in the $6 to $7 million range. But a one-bedroom efficiency can be yours for about $1.5 million.
820 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10065
Nearly 8.5 million people live in New York City. A whopping 37 million visit the 843 acres known as Central Park. Created in 1857, it has evolved into a mecca for fun, enjoyment and relaxation. Among the attractions are horse-drawn carriages, jogging paths, a carousel, a playground, a zoo, restaurants and outdoor sculptures. There is also plenty of green space. The grass is perfect for lounging, sunbathing and enjoying the cityscape.
830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065
This globe by artist Kim Brandell shows the earth’s continents suspended on steel rings representing latitude and longitude lines. The public art stands in a plaza at the base of the Trump International Hotel & Tower near Central Park. Its neighbors in Columbus Circle are the 750 foot, twin towers of the Time Warner Center in the background. The company sold the building in 2014. Plans are to rename the building in 2021 to the Deutsche Bank Center.
848 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
John Lennon and Yoko Ono began living at the Dakota Apartments on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in 1973. He was only forty years old when he was shot at the entrance on December 8, 1980, by Mark David Chapman. The ashes of the former Beatle were spread in nearby Central Park.
1 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023
Three photos of New York City, New York are: A red neon sign reading, “New York;” A clock and statues of Mercury supported by Hercules and Minerva designed by Jules-Félix Coutan on the 42nd Street façade of Grand Central Terminal built in 1913; and the Lower Manhattan skyline.
